The Andrews Labor Government will provide free public transport to help veterans in Western Victoria mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
Local Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP announced today veterans and war widows will travel for free between August 17-19.
The free travel arrangements will help members of the veteran community and their families attend the Vietnam Veterans Day March and Service at the Shrine of Remembrance, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
On Vietnam Veterans Day, free travel will be extended to members of the Australian Defence Force, as well as school students between 9.30am and 2.30pm.
The Labor Government is also helping Western Victoria schools send students to the special commemorations activities by helping with the costs of travel. Regional schools can apply for subsidies of $1000.
To be eligible for free travel, veterans and war widows must carry their Department of Veteran’s Affairs Gold or White Card, or Category V Victorian Public Transport Concession Card.
Veterans and war widows can also wear their uniforms – including and service medals or ex-service association or returned from active service or war widows badge – to demonstrate their eligibility for free travel.
For school subsidy registrations visit www.shrine.org.au/vvdstudents. For more information about Vietnam Veterans Day visit www.vic.gov.au/vietnam.
For more information about public transport visit www.ptv.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“Vietnam Veterans Day is a special occasion for so many locals in Western Victoria. Free public transport is a small gesture of our thanks to those that gave us a great gift.”
“The Western Victoria community is proud of its wartime legacy. We want to make it easier for the community to honour our local contribution to Australia’s military history.”
“The passing of time should not and will not diminish our memory of what took place. Our veterans protected us. It’s our duty to give them the recognition they deserve.”